Leave everything behind and go live abroad!
Although the idea may seem frightening, it is without a doubt one of the best decisions to make. Today we are going to see why going to live abroad has multiple advantages.
Whether you choose a country close to your own or on the other side of the world, living an experience abroad represents a real added value to your career.
In this article, we give you 5 good reasons why you should be able to check the box “experience abroad” before starting your career.
Also worth reading: ADAPTING ABROAD: A GUIDE TO OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
1. Discover a different culture and have a truly unique adventure
Once you’ve lived abroad, you’ll come back changed!
It is a unique and intense experience. Each country has its own culture, its own customs and landscapes. By immersing yourself in a foreign country, you will discover all its facets (customs, culture, politics, populations, gastronomy etc.) which are sometimes quite different from those you know.
Moreover, these cultural differences allow you to look at your own culture in a different way. No more prejudices and hello open-mindedness! You can thus discover a new way of life while working.
2. Build self-confidence and self-reliance
Experiencing life abroad strengthens your ability to adapt to a new and sometimes complex environment. It is an excellent way to get out of your comfort zone, but also to develop your human qualities, such as tolerance and open-mindedness.
When you arrive in a foreign country, you will have to fend for yourself. This will allow you to gain maturity and autonomy. Without your family and friends, you will be forced to manage on your own. It is a wonderful experience to gain confidence in yourself and to realize what you are capable of.
Not only is the belief that you can thrive anywhere a boon to your self-esteem, but it speaks volumes to future employers about the type of person you are and what you are capable of. This unique ability to show real-life examples of struggles you’ve overcome is an advantage not everyone has.
3. Become fluent in a language / learn a new language
Whether it is from a personal or professional point of view, learning a new language will not only strengthen your resume but also you as a human being. We’ve told you often enough, immersion is the best way to become fluent in a language because it allows you to master it in its smallest details by practicing it every day. This can be during dinners, evenings, in your daily work…
One tip? Don’t be afraid and go for it! The more you practice the less mistakes you will make
Being bilingual is a great asset. In today’s world, mastering a second language has become almost indispensable.
4. Enhance your CV
Do you want your profile to stand out from the many CVs received by companies? Experience abroad has its weight.
To enhance your profile, it is essential to be able to demonstrate that you have good adaptation skills, as well as an open mind and intellectual curiosity. And for that, there is nothing better than an experience abroad! On your CV, an experience abroad is more and more appreciated by professionals. It shows a certain dynamism on your part as well as your ability to adapt.
A little extra: In today’s globalized world, a profile that mentions a life experience abroad will be more appreciated by multinational firms.
5. Expand your network
You may find yourself alone at first, but making new contacts is a major benefit of living abroad. Having friends with different backgrounds and life experiences will also enrich your cultural knowledge. Meeting people with different life experiences from your own will be an interesting way to spend your time. It will also help you integrate into your new country.
It is also a great way to build and grow your address book. A good international network of connections will certainly help you in your professional development. You never know, you might meet people who work in the same field as you and offer you wonderful job opportunities!
